constraint
noun
con·straint
kən-ˈstrānt 
1
a
: the act of constraining
b
: the state of being checked, restricted, or compelled to avoid or perform some action
… the constraint and monotony of a monastic life …—
Matthew Arnold
Matthew Arnolda life of invalidism and constraint
c
: a constraining condition, agency, or force : check
put legal constraints on the board's activities
Budget constraints have forced me to revise my travel plans.
2
a
: repression of one's own feelings, behavior, or actions
emotional constraint
b
: a sense of being constrained : embarrassment
" … a constraint between us as if we were strangers … "—John P. Marquand
John P. MarquandExamples of constraint in a Sentence
Lack of funding has been a major constraint on the building's design.
They demand freedom from constraint.
They refuse to work under constraint any longer.
Recent Examples on the Web
From the relationship with the body to analyzing trauma to the societal constraints on human beings and their relationship with the planet, the exhibition, accompanied by a magazine, invites us to reflect on identity, connection, and complexity.
—Photovogue, Vogue, 21 Feb. 2025
By identifying potential limitations early, companies can plan to optimize their use of NOLs and R&D credits within the constraints imposed by 382 and TCJA.
—Shaune Scutellaro, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
Women Leaders of the Civil Rights Movement Women leaders of the Civil Rights movement worked under the triple constraints of gender, race, and class.
—JSTOR Daily, 20 Feb. 2025
The exhibition, which marks Adams’ debut with the gallery, explores resilience, freedom, and the everyday realities of Black womanhood, turning the canvas into a space for self-discovery and resistance against societal constraints.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for constraint
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Photovogue, Vogue, 21 Feb. 2025
By identifying potential limitations early, companies can plan to optimize their use of NOLs and R&D credits within the constraints imposed by 382 and TCJA.
—Shaune Scutellaro, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
Women Leaders of the Civil Rights Movement Women leaders of the Civil Rights movement worked under the triple constraints of gender, race, and class.
—JSTOR Daily, 20 Feb. 2025
The exhibition, which marks Adams’ debut with the gallery, explores resilience, freedom, and the everyday realities of Black womanhood, turning the canvas into a space for self-discovery and resistance against societal constraints.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for constraint
Cite this Entry
“Constraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constraint. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
constraint
noun
con·straint
kən-ˈstrānt
1
: the act of constraining : the state of being constrained
2
: something that constrains : check
3
: a holding back of one's feelings, actions, or behavior
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